She wrote: "My dear aunty Carol lost her brave fight against cancer yesterday. To many of you she was Grotbags - a legend! To me she was just aunty Carol. I shall miss her hugely, rest in peace Carol xxx."

It read: "It is very sad that I have to report that Carol Lee Scott has passed away today.

"A larger than life lady with a much larger heart of comedy, kindness and generosity!

"Carol was a great lover of music and comedy and one of the songs she used to like was 'Ain't It Grand To Be Blooming Well Dead' by Leslie Sarony and it was Carol's request that there be no sadness but music and laughter!"

"Among those remembering the performer was comedian Rufus Hound, who said she was "an icon for folk of my generation".

To remember the actress, fans shared on Twitter their fond childhood memories of Grotbags.

Many fans said they both loved and were terrified by the character. One person added: "Rest in peace grotbags, another part of my childhood heaven bound."

Working with Rod Hull

The concept of Grotbags - which Carol was so famous for - came about while she was performing in summer season in Cleethorpes with Rod Hull.

When Rod was approached to make a new show to be broadcast at the launch of Central Independent Television, he created the series Emu's World, and approached Carol to play the witch named Grotbags.

She first appeared in Emu's World in January 1982, and starred alongside various companions including cowardly crocodile Croc, mechanical butler Robot Redford, and fawning manservant Grovel, and would often sing.

In 1991, she was the voice of Grotbags in the cartoon series Rod 'n' Emu, and she was also given her own spin off series of Grotbags - which ran for 29 episodes across three series.

Carol's showbiz career started on the London pub circuit, where she'd sing at night and work all day in Rumbelow's record department.

A lucky break gave her the opportunity to perform at Butlins, where she remained for 19 years as an entertainer, touring the UK and European holiday camps.